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Many men and women mistakenly believe that bad breath is the result of brushing your teeth incorrectly. The truth is that there are many causes of bad breath. Your dentist in Salt Lake City can help you pinpoint the cause of your trouble and discuss how to cure bad breath.

Taking a Look at Your Diet

Taking a look at your diet with your dentist in Salt Lake City is always a good idea. Your diet considerably impacts how your breath smells, because foods begin to be digested the second they enter your mouth. Furthermore, food is absorbed and distributed throughout the body, so if you’ve eaten strong-smelling foods like onions and garlic, you’ll probably be able to smell them long after you’ve eaten them. Therefore, using a mouthwash will only mask the smell. Constantly sucking on breath mints is also not the best choice. Mints may bring additional oral issues—especially if the mints have sugar. If you want real relief, you may need to avoid the strong smelling foods altogether.

In addition, many patients find that their diet regimen is making it harder for them to keep their mouth fresh and clean. Low-carb and no-carb diets promote fat burning, but the side effect of this is that the chemicals released during this process may cause bad breath. Although, increasing water intake may help alleviate this effect.

Changing Up Your Hygiene

Lastly, flossing regularly is often the key to truly fresh breath. Many people don’t realize how much food can be stuck between their teeth, and this food can cause bad breath if it isn’t removed. More importantly, the food particles can turn into plaque which can cause tooth decay and gum disease.

At Salt Lake Dental Care, our practice provides general, sedation, and cosmetic dentistry to residents in the Salt Lake City area. Our dentist in Salt Lake City is committed to prime oral health for all of our patients, and that includes making sure they don’t have bad breath. We also want our patients to love their smile, so if you have any questions about smile transformations or other cosmetic dental services, give us a call today.

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-506-6009

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107

At Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS we urge patients to come in at least twice a year for a dental examination and cleaning.  Sometimes patients skip these dental checkups because they believe that they don’t have any cavities, however, your dentist in Murray isn’t just checking for cavities. Our staff is also checking for signs of oral cancer during your dental visit.

Dental Checkups Are Not Just About Cavities

In the last few decades, lung and breast cancer have drawn a lot of public attention. There is relatively less awareness of oral cancer even though it claims almost 10,000 lives every year in the United States.

At Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS, we work to raise awareness about oral cancer and the importance of early diagnosis. Courtesy of the CDC, Oral Cancer Foundation, and Johns Hopkins Medicine, here are 4 vital things you should know about oral and oropharyngeal cancers.

1. About 80% of individuals with oral cancer use some type of tobacco (cigarettes, chewing tobacco, pipes).

2. 40% of men and women who receive a late-stage diagnosis of oral cancer die within five years. The survival rate for early stage diagnosis is 90%.

3. In many cases, it is practically impossible for the individual to detect oral and oropharyngeal cancers because they can produce inconspicuous symptoms or no symptoms at all. Any abnormality in the mouth or throat, even if small and painless, should be analyzed by a dentist or doctor.

4. If you have tested positive for HPV, you have a higher risk of developing oral cancer. HPV, the most common sexually transmitted disease in the US, is the most common cause of oropharyngeal cancer. Of the numerous strains of HPV, HPV16 is the one most often linked to oropharyngeal cancer.

Along with Cancer Screenings, your dentist in Murray provides Cosmetic and Sedation Dentistry Services. For more information about our six month smiles, call our office today!

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-506-6009

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107

Parents who want their children to develop healthy habits know that they need to set a good example. Part of that is bringing them in for regular family dentistry checkups at Salt Lake Dental Care in Murray UT.

Tooth decay is an increasingly common childhood health problem. There are strategies that any parent can use, to get their kids to brush and floss their teeth every day. Whatever you do, try not to make it a struggle!

When taking care of their teeth is fun, kids are more likely to practice dental hygiene well into adulthood. Just like adults, they should brush for at least two minutes. Two minutes is a long time for a kid. You can make that time go by quickly by singing a silly song while they brush. You can also offer incentives, like letting them stay up half an hour past bedtime if they do a good job. Positive reinforcement like that works wonders.

The dental care aisle at the grocery store has a lot of toothbrush options. Let your child pick out a fun brush – one with a favorite cartoon character, for example. Let them choose their own toothpaste, too. There are plenty of choices here, too, and at this age, the important thing is to establish healthy habits.

Salt Lake Dental Care in Murray UT provides general and family dentistry to patients of all ages. We also provide cosmetic dentistry, and for those coping with dental anxiety, sedation dentistry. Schedule an appointment with us today.

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-506-6009

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107

Millions of Americans are enjoying the benefits of dental implants, many of them here in Murray UT.  Salt Lake Dental Care is a provider of these dental marvels.

A dental implant is a titanium post that is surgically implanted into a patient’s jaw. They replace the missing tooth’s root, which helps the jawbone maintain its density and prevents bone recession. An artificial tooth is fitted on top of the titanium post.

One of the things that make dental implants so popular is that they blend in so easily with the patient’s remaining teeth. They look and function like natural teeth, and are therefore an excellent long-term solution.

For patients missing all of their teeth, implants can be used to anchor dentures, providing a much firmer, more secure fit. Many patients say they have renewed confidence in  themselves, after years of embarrassment caused by missing teeth.

To find out more about dental implants from Salt Lake Dental Care in Murray UT, contact our office. We also provide general and family dentistry, and cosmetic dentistry procedures like teeth whitening. Schedule an appointment with us today.

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-506-6009

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107

At Salt Lake Dental Care, we are passionate about success. Our experience, ability, and commitment to excellence results in positive outcomes every day. Each team member at Salt Lake Dental Care this passion for success.

What does dental success mean to you?

For many our patients, success is a routine check-up that reveals healthy teeth and no cavities. For others, success is a stunning smile makeover using porcelain veneers or teeth whitening.

We also enjoy completing successful teeth-straightening procedures for youth and adults. Though these transformations are usually longer-term, the results are no less extraordinary. We provide Invisalign clear braces, and Six Month Smiles clear braces.

Sometimes, success is as simple as helping a nervous patient feel relaxed during their appointment. We provide sedation dentistry for those coping with dental anxiety.

At Salt Lake Dental Care in Murray UT, our success depends on your complete smile satisfaction. We provide general and family dentistry to patients of all ages. Schedule an appointment with us today.

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-506-6009

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107

If you have a toddler who has not yet had that first trip to the dentist, we invite you to make an appointment with us at Salt Lake Dental Care in Murray UT. Our family dentistry is for people of all ages.

The the best time to start dental check-ups for young children is when their teeth first come in, or by their first birthday. This may seem a bit early, but it’s the best way to get them started on the path to lifelong oral health.

National studies show that more and more preschool-aged children are getting cavities. Some are showing signs of tooth decay as early as age two. Children with an increased risk of dental problems should receive a dental examination as early as possible. Here are some of the risk factors:

• Sleeping with a bottle
• Drinking juice repeatedly during the day
• Abnormal tooth development
• Thumb sucking
• Tooth grinding
• A mother with significant tooth decay
• Other physical problems

When you bring your toddler in, we’ll analyze the condition of his or her teeth and identify potential problems. It’s helpful for parents to get a review of proper oral hygiene for young children. You can also learn about preventative measures, such as dental sealants and fluoride supplements.

Make an appointment, and bring your questions, too. Salt Lake Dental Care in Murray UT provides general and family dentistry, as well as popular cosmetic dentistry procedures like teeth whitening and porcelain veneers. Give us a call today!

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-506-6009

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107

Too many people see a dentist’s office as a painful place. At Salt Lake Dental Care in Murray UT, we dispel that with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Even so, when patients hear they need a root canal, a lot of them can’t help getting tense.

It doesn’t need to be that way. Patients need to get a root canal because of an infected tooth. That tooth is usually giving them pain, sometimes a lot of pain. A root canal relieves it, and saves the tooth. The procedure itself is painless.

The term “root canal” comes from the fact that we clean out the canals inside the tooth’s root. We remove bacteria, soft tissue, decayed nerve tissue, and any debris. The tooth is then sealed, and a crown is put in place.

Most root canals are successful, and result in the infected tooth being saved. The only alternative is to have the tooth extracted. As worrisome as it might be to hear you need a root canal, the alternative is worse.

We want root canals, and all other procedures, to be as comfortable as possible. We have several sedation dentistry options: nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas), oral conscious sedation, which involves taking a sedative beforehand, and IV sedation, which is administered intravenously.

Nitrous oxide wears off quickly. But those who get oral conscious sedation or IV sedation will need a ride home afterward.

In addition to root canals, Salt Lake Dental Care in Murray UT provides general and family dentistry, and cosmetic dentistry procedures like teeth whitening. Call our office today to schedule an appointment.

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-506-6009

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107

At Salt Lake Dental Care in Murray UT, it’s not uncommon to see patients with stress-related dental issues. You might not realize it, but stress can do a number on your oral health and your perfect smile.

Mouth sores, clenching and grinding, gum disease, and poor oral hygiene can all be exacerbated by stress.

People who have difficulty managing stress need to realize it can increase the risk of getting mouth sores such as cankers and cold sores. Most canker sores only last 7-10 days, but for relief from the irritation, we recommend an over-the-counter topical anesthetic.

Clenching and grinding the teeth is common, and many people do it unconsciously. We can determine whether a night guard or other dental appliance is appropriate to reduce grinding.

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is exacerbated by stress because stress can result in an increase in dental plaque.

As a final note, many people are more likely to neglect their dental health routine when they are under stress. They also tend to eat more sugary snacks when they’re under stress.

Protect your perfect smile! If you’re concerned about the effect stress is having on your teeth, schedule an appointment at Salt Lake Dental Care in Murray UT. We offer general and family dentistry, and cosmetic dentistry procedures like teeth whitening. Make an appointment today.

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-506-6009

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107

Are you happy with the state of your smile? If not, you have options. With cosmetic dentistry from Salt Lake Dental Care in Murray UT, you can improve your smile in ways you might not be able to imagine.

Many people have concerns with the appearance of their otherwise healthy teeth. These include a misaligned bite, dull or yellow teeth, missing teeth, or broken teeth.

Few people have naturally stunning smiles, but those who practice proper oral care can avoid many issues that impact the appearance of their smile. But some men and women are unhappy with their smiles even though they do practice proper oral hygiene.

Cosmetic dentistry can transform your teeth, no matter what kind of imperfections you have. Teeth whitening and porcelain veneers can dramatically improve your smile, while dental implants are the ideal solution to missing teeth.

To correct an imperfect bite, we provide two types of adult orthodontics: Invisalign clear braces, and Six Month Smiles.

Call Salt Lake Dental Care in Murray UT today to meet with us about a cosmetic dental smile makeover.

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-506-6009

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107